Notebookcheck's Top 10 Slim & Light Gaming Laptops

October 2018 Update.
Here you will find the latest best slim and lightweight mobile gaming notebooks reviewed by Notebookcheck. Our list of top models is regularly updated, maintained and commented on and should assist in purchase decisions.

"Mobile gaming" - what sounded like a bad joke a few years ago has already become common practice; at least in the notebook range. Processors and graphics cards are getting smaller and more power-efficient, which makes cooling easier. As a result, powerful components can be packed into slimmer and slimmer cases. Although 17-inch powerhouses still dominate (see our 17-inch gaming notebook charts), the 15-inch and smaller range is steadily growing; keyword: "slim gaming". More gaming rankings from Notebookcheck:

The following table shows an overview of the Top 10 gaming laptops reviewed by Notebookcheck in the previous 12 months that weigh less than 2.5 kg and are still available. If ratings are equal, the latest review is listed first. You can sort the table by clicking its headers or via text filter (e.g. "matte").

Editors' Comments

1st - Gigabyte Aero 15X v8

Gigabyte Aero 15X v8

The wolf in sheep's clothing is a fitting description for the Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 (2,500 Euros). While the majority of gaming laptops is rather bulky and heavy, respectively, and uses a flashy design, Gigabyte ships its 15-inch system with a slim, light, and sturdy case that looks understated. The RGB keyboard illumination is the only indicator for a gaming system.

Inside you will find the latest and greatest mobile hardware with Intel's Core i7-8750H and Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q, which are noticeable under higher workloads. Besides the hexa-core CPU, the 144 Hz panel is one of the most important changes over the previous model. Gigabyte once again waives G-Sync and implements Optimus to improve the battery runtime. This is a good decision considering the mobility of the laptop. Slim bezels and the certification for X-Rite Pantone are additional selling points. Note: The Aero 15X v8 will also be available with a 4K screen, which is supposed to cover 100 % of the AdobeRGB gamut.

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2nd – Razer Blade 15

Razer Blade 15

No doubt – displays with particularly narrow bezels are sexy, and gaming notebooks have started to embody this trend more and more often. In addition to the MSI GS65, which did not make this top 10 list, and the Gigabyte Aero 15X Razer’s latest Blade 15 also features an edge to edge screen. Generally speaking the Blade’s metal case is one of the most classy, high-quality and best made cases we have ever seen. Keyboard, touchpad, and display (144 Hz) are on a par with its competitors.

Despite its small footprint the 15-inch gaming powerhouse is equipped with some serious high-end technology, among others a Core i7-8750H, a GeForce GTX1070 Max-Q, and an NVMe SSD. Software and hardware, such as for example the RGB backlight, can be configured using the Razer Synapse application. Unfortunately, the Blade 15 barely missed the threshold for the “Very Good” rating due to its poor sound quality, its substandard connectivity (no card reader, no RJ45 Ethernet), and its immense noise emissions in 3D. In addition, its battery life is significantly shorter than the Gigabyte Aero 15X’s. However, gamers that enjoy travelling and put a lot of emphasis on design cannot go wrong with the Blade 15.

3rd - MSI GS65 8RF

MSI GS65 8RF

MSI currently has three notebooks in the slim & light gaming ranking. In addition to the GE63VR 7RF and GS73VR 7RG, the GS65 8RF also managed to secure a spot. The 15-inch system is the ideal companion for road trips thanks to a weight of just 1.8 kg. The lack of G-Sync is explained by Optimus, which improves the battery runtime. The GS65 does not lack 3D performance, either. Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q is competing with the previous high-end GPU GTX 980 and can handle all modern games in the native 1080p resolution and with good graphics (144 Hz panel). The test model for 2300 Euros also includes 16 GB DDR4-RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and the Core i7-8750H.

The 15-inch MSI system cannot quite keep up with the Gigabyte Aero 15X, which has very sim bezels as well. The GS65 is the quieter system, but the build quality of the chassis is worse, it is not as stable, and the maintenance is more complicated. Both the keyboard and the battery runtime of the Aero 15X are better as well.

4th - Asus ROG Zephyrus M GM501

Asus ROG Zephyrus M

The ROG Zephyrus from Asus is two times in our Top 10 ranking. Both the GX501 and the GM501 look very similar at first, but there are several differences. It starts with the input devices, which are once again back at the usual spot on the GM501. The two systems also differ in terms of specs. While the GX501 can be equipped with a GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, the less expensive sibling only get the GeForce GTX 1070.

The main rival is the updated Gigabyte Aero 15X, which is also equipped with Intel's powerful Coffee Lake Core i7-8750H, but it weighs less, lasts much longer on battery power, and has much narrower bezels.

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5th – Razer Blade 2017

Razer Blade 2017

Even thinner and lighter than first and second place is the 2017 edition of the Razer Blade. For around $2,400 you get a 14-inch 4K display with a whopping 3840x2160 resolution - highest resolution resolution of the top 3 slim gaming notebooks! Just like on the Alienware 13 R3 the glossy display suffers from noticeable reflections. And just as annoying as its highly reflective display is the Razer Blade’s noise emission, which is why it didn’t make it top the top of this list.

In most categories the Razer Blade’s performance matches its high price. As on all Razer notebooks, the aluminum case is very sturdy and well made. The input devices are solid and decent, and overall temperatures are fairly low. Thunderbolt 3 is included and can be used to connect the Razer Blade to external GPUs. The included GeForce GTX 1060 is already unable to cope with the 4K display.

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6th - MSI GS73 8RF

MSI GS73 8RF

Even though MSI did not change the chassis compared to the GS73VR 7RG, buyers also expect a good and slim 17-inch laptop in 2018. This means the GS73 8RF is not only comfortable light (2.4 kg) for gaming purposes, but also pleasantly slim (19.6 mm).

You still get potential hardware. The GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q has absolutely no problem with the native resolution of the test model. The high-contrast 120 Hz TN display features 1920 x 1080 pixels. We like the RGB illumination of the keyboard as well as the fast card reader, but not so much the port layout, the sound, and the temperatures during 3D workloads. A WLAN battery runtime of 3.5 hours is not really good, either, despite the lack of G-Sync support.

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7th – Asus ROG GU501

Asus ROG GU501

The ROG GU501 is yet another slim gaming notebook made by Asus. It is clearly based on its 15-inch sibling GM501 and features many identical components, such as keyboard, touchpad, and connectivity. However, it is equipped with a GeForce GTX 1060 and thus lacks the protruding cooling solution and features a conventional bottom cover instead. And while Asus still managed to keep surface temperatures within acceptable and moderate levels this was not the case for the notebook’s noise emissions.

The 15-inch notebook’s biggest strengths include its robust and rigid case, its RGB keyboard, and the surprisingly decent sound. Performance was at expected and acceptable levels by and large, and the GTX 1060 is partnered with a Core i7-8750H, an NVMe SSD, and 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. Our $2,000 review unit was equipped with a FHD IPS panel without support for G-Sync (but Optimus in return).

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8th - MSI GS63VR 7RG

MSI GS63VR 7RG

Even though MSI already sells the completely redesigned GS65, some online retailers still offer the old GS63VR. The ultra-slim 15-inch laptop is a perfect mobile companion, just like the GS65. besides the slim construction, we also like the low weight of just 1.9 kg. This means the GS63 is one of the lightest system even among the thin & light competition.

As per usual for these kinds of laptops, the diet affects the stability as well as the emissions (temperature development), but the 15-inch system is not too loud thanks to the Max-Q GPU. We also like the illuminated keyboard, the Thunderbolt 3 port, the NVMe-SSD, and the responsive 120 Hz screen.

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9th - Monster Tulpar T5

Monster Tulpar T5

The Tulpar T5 from the Turkish notebook manufacturer is based on a barebone from Tonfang, more precisely the GK5CN6Z chassis. It is pretty exotic, which is supported by the keyboard. We get more and more mechanical keyboards, but they are still rare on machines for less than 2000 Euros. We also like the RGB illumination and the slim-bezel design of the 144 Hz panel.

There are also some drawbacks like the sound, the battery capacity, and the performance of the card reader, bu we think the main issue is the poor fan control. A Thunderbolt 3 port would have improved the score as well.

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10th – Schenker Key 15

Schenker Key 15

The Key 15 is made by the German notebook manufacturer Schenker Technologies. Thanks to its restraint and slim case, the multimedia/gaming hybrid could easily pass as office notebook as well. Don’t be fooled by its inconspicuous appearance, though: the 15-inch notebook packs a lot of punch. In addition to a Core i7-8750H it also features either a GeForce GTX 1060 or a GTX 1070 Max-Q.

Unfortunately, the underlying Clevo barebone (P955ER) is plagued by a rather poor fan management resulting in occasional revving up of the fans in idle. Other downsides include high temperatures, a lack of Thunderbolt 3, and poor sound performance. On the plus side, it is very light, features an RGB-backlit keyboard, and a very clean Windows installation without any bloatware. Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight is its 144 Hz IPS display.